DUBLIN, OHIO — The Wendy’s Co. board of directors announced on Sept. 6 the appointment of Arthur B. Winkleblack as its non-executive chair of the board, succeeding Nelson Peltz, who was named chairman emeritus.

For the past year, Winkleblack was lead independent director in addition to serving on the board of directors since 2016. He has also assumed the role of chairman of the executive committee with Wendy’s and serves as chair of the nominating and corporate governance committee.

Additionally, he is a member of the company’s audit committee, which he previously led as chair.

“I am excited to work with Art in his new role and am confident that the entire board and management team will continue to work together to drive progress against the company’s strategic growth priorities,” said Kirk Tanner, Wendy’s chief executive officer.

Tanner stepped in as CEO in early 2024 after a 32-year tenure at PepsiCo Inc., most recently as the CEO of PepsiCo Beverages North America.

After serving as chair for the company for 17 years, Peltz is stepping away so that he can focus on other board activities and devote more time to Trian Fund Management’s activities in the future. Peltz, who is CEO and a founder of Trian, owns a combined 15% of Wendy’s outstanding stock shares.

“It’s been a pleasure working with the Wendy’s board for nearly two decades, and I’m proud of the company’s growth and transformation,” Peltz said. “Kirk has transitioned seamlessly into the CEO role, and with the stewardship of the board, including Art’s deep experience on the board along with that of my partners Peter May and Matt Peltz, senior vice chairman and vice chairman, respectively, I am confident that the company is in good hands for further growth and success.”